The much-anticipated Worm Moon is set to grace the night sky on March 14, 2025. This celestial event marks the full moon of March, a time when many cultures celebrate the waning of winter and the arrival of spring. According to NASA, the Worm Moon will rise 12 degrees above the western horizon as twilight begins, offering a spectacular view for skywatchers.
Various Native American tribes have historically named the March full moon based on different signs of spring. The Ojibwe and Chippewa tribes refer to it as the "Snow Crust Moon" or "Hard Crust on the Snow Moon". Southern Native American tribes, on the other hand, have dubbed it the "Worm Moon". This name reflects the earthworm casts that become visible as the ground starts to thaw, a sign that winter is ending. The Old Farmer's Almanac also notes that many northern cultures have similar end-of-winter names for this lunar phase.
NASA confirms that during this time, no planets will be visible in the sky. The most prominent star will be Vega, located 68 degrees above the eastern horizon. Vega, part of the "Summer Triangle" along with Deneb and Altair, is known for its striking brightness. As the fifth brightest star in the night sky and the brightest in the constellation Lyra, Vega lies about 25 light-years from Earth. It possesses twice the mass of the Sun and shines 40 times brighter.
"Will appear full for about three days around this time, from Wednesday evening into Saturday morning" – NASA
The Old Farmer's Almanac explains that the Worm Moon not only heralds the reappearance of earthworms but also symbolizes rebirth and renewal. As a result, it has been embraced by various cultures as a sign of hope and new beginnings.
